The Church and Social Transformation: Prophet, Priest and Political Voice
|
|
- Raymond Ethelbert Ferguson
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Towards a Transformed Society Diakonia Council of Churches Annual Lecture 13 August, 2009 The Church and Social Transformation: Prophet, Priest and Political Voice by Charles Villa-Vicencio Despite the different political and theological perspectives we had on the transition from apartheid to the beginning of democracy in 1994, most expected that fifteen years later South Africa would be another country. It is, but less so than what we expected or hoped for. In asking me to speak on the topic Towards a Transformed Society, Nomabelu wrote: Notwithstanding the transformation we witnessed in 1994, and the subsequent attempts to deal in many ways with the pain of the past, we continue to live in a society beset by a myriad of social ills. I do not want to dwell on these ills: crime, corruption, greed, domestic and sexual violence, racism, xenophobia, non-delivery of social services, joblessness and schools that are places of abuse rather than learning. My concern is rather to seek to discern the causes of our predicament. It is not government, private and public sector leaders, organised labour, doctors, teachers or taxi drivers who are primarily to blame -- although none of them are free of culpability. The root cause of our failure lies deeper. The cause of our failure lies within the soul of our nation reaching inter alia, into the inner sanctuaries of faith communities. Mamphela Ramphela recently defined this failure as the trappings of insignificance that Charles Villa-Vicencio is a senior research fellow in the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. 1
2 citizens of South Africa have failed to cast off and to break free from. 1 It has to do with a sense of powerlessness within ourselves to change what we know is wrong. Reflecting sometime ago on the failures of the African continent as a whole, former president Nelson Mandela observed: The fault is not in our stars but in ourselves We know that we have it in ourselves, as Africans, to change all this. We must assert our will to do so. We must say that there is no obstacle big enough to stop us from bringing about an African renaissance. 2 The question I pose concerns the role of the church and other faith communities in overcoming insignificance by taking some responsibility for the spiritual and social transformation which the nation demands. I do so with some hesitation because of my own limited involvement in the institutional church in recent times. We all, however, have a responsibility to concern ourselves with the RDP of the soul Recognising that I am addressing the Diakonia Council of Churches I have chosen to speak on the prophetic and priestly roles of the church in relation to its political responsibility in the promotion of social transformation, conscious that members of other faiths will need to do their hermeneutics in adapting what I have to say to their own traditions. Depending on the context within which we find ourselves at any given time the inclination and perhaps the obligation of church, mosque, synagogue and temple is to lean towards one of these roles. Careful reflection, however, suggests the need for faith communities to play a holistic or integrated role in society, incorporating the role of priest and prophet, plus political counsellor, in a holistic paradigm of ministry. The one feeds off the other. A word about each of these three roles: Prophet There is perhaps something of a prophet is most of us not least in the face of human abuse and suffering. Righteous anger, a sense of fair play and protest against unnecessary suffering are involuntary emotions that well-up in people of conscience and good will in the face of abuse. When the Pharisees rebuked Jesus disciples for their proclamations, Jesus suggested that in certain situations if they were to be silent the very stones would cry out. 1 Mamphela Ramphela, A Lack of Confidence is the Barrier to SA s Success, Sunday Independent, 12 July Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (London: Little, Brown, 1994). 2
3 (Luke 19:40) Indeed, the Hebrew Bible tells us that even the donkey rises up to speak truth to the one who beats it! (Numbers 22: 28) The prophet is compelled to proclaim justice and the word of the Lord in the face of injustice, whereas many people, even those who recognise evil for what it is, prefer to hold their tongues in the face of evil out of self-interest, in the hope of securing a good job or out of fear. When this level of silence prevails, an extra burden is placed on the few to speak on behalf of the many. We think of people of faith who walked among us as prophets proclaiming justice in the face of evil. Albert Luthuli, Robert Sobukwe, Beyers Naude, Denis Hurley, Archbishop Tutu, Imam Heron, Albertina Sisulu, Emma Mashinini, Ela Ghandi, and others. There were also prophets who located themselves outside of the faith communities: Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Helen Joseph and others each deeply reflective and in their own way profoundly spiritual people. There are also prophetic movements not led by an obvious individual person but a collective or movement of people proclaiming the judgement of God and of history in the name of moral decency. Trade unions, organisations of women, marginalised groups of young people are among them. Faith movements, including the Diakonia Council of Churches, the SACC, the Christian Institute, Jews for Justice, the Union of Jewish Women, the Muslim Youth Movement, and the Divine Life Society have all in various situations raised their voices and contributed in kind to the needs of marginalised people. The prophetic voice has come at times from the most unlikely places and often from the most unlikable individuals and movements. Biblical prophets were rarely a likeable lot and frequently on the wrong side of rulers and the elite. I had a conversation with a prophet turned politician in Pretoria a while ago. He complained about a particular clergyman who was criticising government for failing to address a particular problem. He spoke of the clergyman as being naïve and unrealistic. Prophets are sometimes that! When, however, the prophetic voice of leaders, both responsible and at times naïve, are shunned and ignored, the temptation is for those who we used to call opstookers and klipgooiers (instigators and stone-throwers) to take to the streets. We would that they find constructive and non-violent ways of making their protest. Should we ignore their cry and fail to respond to their need, however, we are likely to do so at our own peril. Thank God for the prophets and those who toll the bell of injustice and human suffering. Some who raise their voices and pay the price for so doing are celebrated as heroes (especially the dead ones!), many continue to do so without honour, recognition or respect. 3
4 We would do well to listen and ponder the voices that surround us, lest we fail to hear a word of warning, indeed what some who believe would call the Word of the Lord. In addition to the important voice of the prophet proclaiming the Word of the Lord, whether in brimstone and damnation or graceful provocation, the citizens of our land also need assistance and support to rise above any sense of insignificance and powerless they may feel in the face of evil. For this to happen transformation in this fifteenth year of our democracy, the prophetic voice needs to be augmented with the voice of the pastor or priest one who stands beside wayward citizens, parishioners and sinners, enabling them to become more than what they may be at any given time. Priest As prophets come in various shapes and sizes, and without making too finer a theological distinction between priest and pastor, the latter also comes in different guises. I was recently speaking with the South African ambassador to Sweden Zeph Makgetla, an old struggle type, about our native land. He said that if he were President he would deploy additional psychologists across the land, suggesting that we are a broken and traumatised people! For many years the church was called to be a prophetic church. We were schooled in the need to say a resounding no to the apartheid state. Today we are required to continue to say no to all forms of oppression, corruption and deception by government and citizens alike. We are also called to say yes and well, maybe to programmes of government and others that offer hope and transformation in society. Above all we need to offer healing, inspiration and innovation to a nation that in its better moments knows its shortcomings. The prophet is inspired to speak in times of crisis and when the need is most urgent. Their names often hit the media headlines. The parish priest, pastor and preacher are required to minister in good times and bad, whether inspired or not and mostly their voices are do not makes the headlines. Above all the pastor and priest is required to care for both those who will and those who won t reach beyond themselves to the higher goals demanded of South Africa in this difficult period of our history. This requires the church to offer more than critical analysis, more than a litany of society s shortcomings, more than a loud voice from the pulpit. The church needs also to demonstrate an understanding of the fears of those who languish in their comfort zones or fear what the future holds for their old age, their children and their children s children. In addition to the prophetic word, intransigence often requires a pastoral touch to help people attain their own 4
5 liberation and involvement in the transformation process. Sometimes the prophetic voice of censure is required. Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites was spoken by the one who incarnated tenderness. In other situations, however, the harsh words of judgment need to be augmented by the language of understanding and inspiration. Words of aspiration that lure and draw people towards their better and higher ideals are often needed in the most adverse situations. There was an old lady in the Buitenkant Street congregation in District Six that I served thirty years ago in my days of anger and demand, who used to say you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Important words. I go back to the days when I taught liberation and contextual theology. I understood the prophetic dimension inherent to that theology. It provided a relatively easy albeit costly incentive. I was at the same time fascinated by the depth of spiritual and liturgical praxis out of which this theology came. It is the latter that I fear has to a significant extent lost in parts of the church where it was once present, not least comfortable middle class churches, where we so often fail to promote the kind of priestly theology that gives rise to a prophetic and diakonic ministry. The burning question in our present context is how to build a church and a nation from a range of people drawn from different ideologies, races, backgrounds, classes and historic experiences. This includes people who by design or accident were on opposite sides of a deeply divided nation. I spoke with Govan Mbeki a couple of years before he died in 2001, asking what it would take to ensure the success of a democratic South Africa. His answer was crisp and clear: having and belonging. He suggested that unless the have not s are able to share in the material wellbeing of the nation those who have will not sleep well at night. We went on to say that unless those who have are in turn to made to feel part of the South African family they will resist sharing what they have with others. He was speaking about the prophetic need to share and the priestly need to reconcile. It will take the cultivation of a generosity of the human spirit by blacks and whites, rich and the poor in South Africa for Oom Gov s vision to be realised. If his word is correct -- and it does not take the Wisdom of Solomon to realise it is -- the question is to what extent are our churches, mosques, temples and synagogues challenging (prophetically) and enabling (pastorally) their congregants to realise this double-edged vision. It is a vision that draws the prophetic and the priestly into a common form of ministry. 5
6 Political Voice What do the prophet and the priest have to say to government and state? What is the political responsibility of faith communities in this regard? The prophet needs to speak truth to power. The priest needs to nurture souls and liberate all South Africans (not only the nice ones) of their anxieties, fears and self-centeredness. The prophet and the priest needs at the same time to understand the limitations within which the politician, the leader and state is obliged to operate. I am suggesting that in being both prophetic and priestly, often to the annoyance of those to whom the church ministers, the church needs to be more than the purveyor of what the prophet-turned-politician (to whom I referred earlier) saw as naïve and unrealistic niceties in the face of hard political realities. Without surrendering the importance of the prophetic and priestly voice, both prophet and priest have a responsibility to speak to the real world in promoting concrete possibilities for resolving of the social problems facing the nation. The church cannot afford to speak only at the level of principle, absolute standards and what would be nice in an ideal world if it is to promote real transformation. In some such situations the church has an important mediatory role to play between leaders who often tend to dwell on the difficulties involved in promoting a social agenda and those who are demanding change. Speaking at the Oxford Conference on Life and peace in the 1930s, that gave rise to the establishment of the World Council of Churches, J. H. Oldham spoke of the need the church to develop what he called middle axioms. Emphasising that these did not involve the ultimate step required to resolve a problem, their middle axioms were designed to anticipate the possible next step that could reasonably be taken to alleviate a crisis and open the way for further steps to be taken later in finding a more sustainable solution to a problem. 3 This requires the church to engage in down-to-earth, concrete and often a timeconsuming ministry. There are no quick-fix solutions to many societal problems. This is a form of ministry to the structures of government that requires prophets and priests to role-up their sleeves, get dirt under their finder nails and be a meaningful player in society. I would suggest that the biggest challenge facing the churches, at least in some parishes (recognising that there are some obvious and celebratory exceptions) is the lack of direct involvement by parishioners in development and aid work as opposed to charitable giving. It is this that often distances many priests, would-be prophets and parishioners from the harsh 3 See Duncan B. Forrester, Beliefs, Values and Policies: Conviction Politics in a Secular Age (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989), 22. 6
7 realities of what is involved in the promotion of the kind of realistic policies that politicians, bureaucrats, civil servants and social practitioners face on a daily basis. Bluntly put, there are people in government, the private sector and civil society who are looking to faith communities to help them weld together moral ideals, practical possibilities and a spiritual incentive to realise their intensions. Political leaders are looking to faith communities to keep them in touch with the needs of grassroots communities and to provide the kind of spiritual, moral and prophetic leadership that is required to move the nation along the transformation track. The nineteenth century philosopher G. W. F. Hegel once argued that a successful leader needs to be one step ahead of his or her people, but never more than one step. Ahead in order to lead; not too far ahead in order to ensure he or she understands and gives expression to the needs of the community. It is this leadership that faith communities need to offer. Towards a Holistic Ministry Some are called to be prophets, some to be priests and pastors, others politicians and civil servants. The question is how to ensure that the one enriches the other. Ministry in this period of our history as a nation involves finding a way to integrate the roles of prophet, priest and political counsel. This, I suggest, is a contribution that faith-based spirituality can make to realistic transformation and the burning need for a nation to rise above what is sometimes a sense of insignificance and powerlessness in the face of the challenges that confront us. This is a challenge every bit as demanding as the challenge we faced in the struggle against apartheid. The transformation challenge is a huge one, an urgent one and clock is ticking. 7
Peacemaking and the Uniting Church
Peacemaking and the Uniting Church June 2012 Peacemaking has been a concern of the Uniting Church since its inception in 1977. As early as 1982 the Assembly made a major statement on peacemaking and has
More informationDo not fear! Stand Firm!
DIAKONIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Do not fear! Stand Firm! A sermon preached on the occasion of 33 rd Ecumenical Good Friday Service Held at Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban On 30 th March
More informationTrue to Madiba's own inclinations, we are not here this evening to mourn. We are here to remember.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA'S MEMORIAL LECTURE IN HONOUR OF THE LATE NELSON ROLIHLAHLA MANDELA, JOHANNESBURG, 15 DECEMBER 2014: BUILDING THE LEGACY' Mama Graca Machel, The Mandela family, Sello Hatang
More informationA CHEAT SHEET Religion and HUMAN RIGHTS
A CHEAT SHEET Religion and HUMAN RIGHTS Christian attitudes towards the law and human rights You are all made in the image of God One in Christ Love your neighbour These 3 teachings would mean that Christians
More informationColgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Doctor of Ministry Degree in Transformative Leadership
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School Doctor of Ministry Degree in Transformative Leadership 2018 2020 2-6 (Tues-Sat) 2-6 (Tues-Sat) 4-8 4-8 11-15 11-15 October 1-5, 2018: 7-11 7-11 3-7 3-7 10-14 10-14
More informationSecond Sunday after Epiphany
Second Sunday after Epiphany Second Sunday after Epiphany 20 January 2019 The Mission and Discipleship ouncil would like to thank the hurch of Scotland Ecumenical Relations committee for their thoughts
More informationJesus Mission and Ours
Isaiah 61 :1-2; Luke 4: 14-21 Jesus Mission and Ours The text from Isaiah 61 that we read this morning speaks of a new and better world: good news to the poor, release of captives, liberty for the oppressed:
More informationWhose mission? What mission? Why mission? Theological Considerations
Diocese of Grahamstown Synods: 4-6 May God s Mission God s vision Synod- 4-6 May Henry Mbaya, University of Stellenbosch (4 May 2016, East London) Whose mission? What mission? Why mission? Theological
More informationSITE OF STRUGGLE IN SOUTH AFRICAN LIBERATION THEOLOGIES
SITE OF STRUGGLE IN SOUTH AFRICAN LIBERATION THEOLOGIES Gerald O. West School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics & Ujamaa Centre University of KwaZulu-Natal AFRICAN ANECDOTES When the white man came
More informationWEA MC GMR Pretoria DAY 1: Lectio Divina Psalm 15
DAY 1: Lectio Divina Psalm 15 1 Over my decades of ministry, have I walked straight, acted right, and told the truth? I need to meditate on this. Intentionality about our integrity is essential. It s easy
More informationTool 1: Becoming inspired
Tool 1: Becoming inspired There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3: 28-29 A GENDER TRANSFORMATION
More informationShould the Belhar Confession be Included in the Book of Confessions? John P. Burgess. March 26, 2011
Should the Belhar Confession be Included in the Book of Confessions? John P. Burgess March 26, 2011 In this presentation, I will offer some brief considerations on: (1) the historical backdrop to the Belhar
More informationCosmopolitan Theory and the Daily Pluralism of Life
Chapter 8 Cosmopolitan Theory and the Daily Pluralism of Life Tariq Ramadan D rawing on my own experience, I will try to connect the world of philosophy and academia with the world in which people live
More informationEducation Sunday Liturgical Resources (5 February 2017)
Education Sunday Liturgical Resources (5 February 2017) Introductory Notes 1. These resources have been compiled by Deb Avery on behalf of the Education Committee and are to be used in ways that are appropriate
More informationKEYNOTE SPEECH BY UNICEF GOODWILL AMBASSADOR DANNY GLOVER ON THE REDEMPTION SONG YOUTH DAY AT THE AFRICA UNITE SYMPOSIUM
KEYNOTE SPEECH BY UNICEF GOODWILL AMBASSADOR DANNY GLOVER ON THE REDEMPTION SONG YOUTH DAY AT THE AFRICA UNITE SYMPOSIUM 4 February 2005 Every generation seeks its own redemption. Every generation dreams
More informationGRADE 11 NOVEMBER 2015 RELIGION STUDIES P2
NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 11 NOVEMBER 2015 RELIGION STUDIES P2 MARKS: 150 TIME: 2 hours *IRLGSE* This question paper consists of 3 pages. 2 RELIGION STUDIES P2 (EC/NOVEMBER 2015) INSTRUCTIONS AND
More informationRomans 3: /9/14. Prayers. Meditation. To God. For Self. For others
Romans 3:9-20 10/9/14 To God For Self Prayers Father Almighty, You have given us a Spirit of Praise! We praise You for creating this world and giving life to those of us who live in it. We praise You for
More informationHUMAN DIGNITY AND CHURCH RE-UNIFICATION IN THE FAMILY OF DUTCH REFORMED CHURCHES
Scriptura 104 (2010), pp. 306-313 http://scriptura.journals.ac.za/ HUMAN DIGNITY AND CHURCH RE-UNIFICATION IN THE FAMILY OF DUTCH REFORMED CHURCHES Sipho Mahokoto Systematic Theology Stellenbosch University
More informationEVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE. IM SODLICHEN AFRIKA (NATAL-TRANSVAAL)
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE. IM SODLICHEN AFRIKA (NATAL-TRANSVAAL) EVANGELIESE LLITHERSE KERK IN SUIDER-AFRIKA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) NTS503198
More informationSERVICE AND GOOD WORKS THE POOR WIDOW WHO CONTRIBUTED TWO SMALL COPPER COINS
Message No: Series: Appearance and Reality Section: People, Situations, Conduct, Service, Action Subsection: Conduct, Service, Action Date preached: 25 Mar 90 Date edited: 3 Sep 18 SERVICE AND GOOD WORKS
More information5. Silencing injustice intercessory prayer at every age
Worship and justice at every age in partnership with Rachel Turner Practical input 5. Silencing injustice intercessory prayer at every age This article is part of a series of resources exploring the relationship
More informationThe Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:
The Journey to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: There are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are God s gift to believers. You do not have to work for them,
More informationIn Joy and in Sorrow Luke 19: A Sermon Preached by Ernest Thompson. First Presbyterian Church Wilmington, NC. March 29, 2015
In Joy and in Sorrow Luke 19:28-42 A Sermon Preached by Ernest Thompson First Presbyterian Church Wilmington, NC March 29, 2015 After he had said this, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When
More informationNovember 6, Proverbs to Vote By. Edward Hatch / Palermo Christian Church
November 6, 2016 Proverbs to Vote By Edward Hatch / Palermo Christian Church Last week we looked at the great opportunity we have as Christians to display the love of God and of Christ by choosing what
More informationValues are the principles, standards and qualities that characterise the way in which we do our work.
Theological Basis Shared Values Values are the principles, standards and qualities that characterise the way in which we do our work. UnitingCare Queensland believes that our values are fundamental to
More informationSHARING THE GOSPEL WITH MARGINALISED PEOPLE
SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH MARGINALISED PEOPLE 2 HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW TO TALK ABOUT JESUS WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE MARGINALISED? ARE YOU KEEN TO SHARE JESUS LOVE WITH THE MAN WHO BEGS OUTSIDE YOUR LOCAL
More informationI speak in the name of Jesus the Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus, Nelson and Thabo... 29/7/18 I speak in the name of Jesus the Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. I have refrained in recent years from preaching and talking
More informationChanging Religious and Cultural Context
Changing Religious and Cultural Context 1. Mission as healing and reconciling communities In a time of globalization, violence, ideological polarization, fragmentation and exclusion, what is the importance
More informationFIRST, TAKE THE LOG FROM YOUR EYE!
First Things First: FIRST, TAKE THE LOG FROM YOUR EYE! Rev. Gary Haller First United Methodist Church Birmingham, Michigan August 14, 2016 Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge, so that you may not be
More informationMembers of all Faith Based Organizations and Road Safety NGOs,
Keynote Address by the Honourable Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, MP Deputy Minister of Transport, Prayer Day for Road Safety Wednesday, 10 October 2018, Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre, Ekurhuleni Programme
More informationBaptist Basics. 1 Why be a Baptist?
Baptist Basics 1 Why be a Baptist? Why be a 1Baptist? There are many ways of being a Christian, so being a Baptist is not a way of being saved or of getting to heaven. It is good to be clear about this.
More informationThe work of Christian Peacemaking Lesson 1: A Christian response to conflict. Turn the other cheek
Turn the other cheek Students should be guided through this role play: Show me (don t actually do it) how you would hit the person next to you on their right cheek They may be tempted to use the left hand.
More informationJustice versus God s Justice
Desert Creek House 802 Desert Creek Road - Numbugga BEGA - NSW 2550 - AUSTRALIA Phone: ++61 (0)2 6492 8498 E-mail: yumorsier@skymesh.com.au 2 nd May Justice versus God s Justice Prayer The law of God is
More informationI. The Pharisees took a self-righteous approach.
We are looking for three weeks at a Christ-follower s response to our world in 2018. In week 1 Do not be afraid. You can go through 2018 without fear. In week 2 Walk the higher road. Be good citizens even
More informationThe Liturgy of the Word
Whenever the Church gathers to pray the liturgy there is a proclamation of the word of God. In this gathering for prayer we gather in Christ, and in the word proclaimed it is Christ himself who speaks
More informationChristmas is a time when we hear lots of music, some of it good, some not so good. My wife dislikes some it so much that she s been
Song of Zechariah Luke 1:67-79 Dec. 8, 2013 1 Christmas is a time when we hear lots of music, some of it good, some not so good. My wife dislikes some it so much that she s been known to take her ipod
More informationRelocation as a Response to Persecution RLP Policy and Commitment
Relocation as a Response to Persecution RLP Policy and Commitment Initially adopted by the Religious Liberty Partnership in March 2011; modified and reaffirmed in March 2013; modified and reaffirmed, April
More informationNational Policy on RELIGION AND EDUCATION MINISTER S FOREWORD... 2
National Policy on RELIGION AND EDUCATION CONTENTS MINISTER S FOREWORD... 2 INTRODUCTION TO THE POLICY ON RELIGION AND EDUCATION..3 Background to the Policy on Religion and Education... 5 The Context...
More informationOur Statement of Purpose
Strategic Framework 2008-2010 Our Statement of Purpose UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania is integral to the ministry of the church, sharing in the vision and mission of God - seeking to address injustice,
More informationACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM. A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss
ACTS OF FAITH: CONFRONTING RACISM A Sermon by Reverend Lynn Thomas Strauss Friends, you know it is harder to care about your neighbor if you don t know them; harder to understand a different religion or
More informationThe Role of Faith in the Progressive Movement. Part Six of the Progressive Tradition Series. Marta Cook and John Halpin October 2010
Marquette university archives The Role of Faith in the Progressive Movement Part Six of the Progressive Tradition Series Marta Cook and John Halpin October 2010 www.americanprogress.org The Role of Faith
More informationI m sure we would agree our experience tells us that it s not easy for anger be used constructively. Recycling Anger John 2:12-17, James 1:19-22
Recycling Anger John 2:12-17, James 1:19-22 Friends, the great protestant reformer Martin Luther - not to be confused with Martin Luther King once wrote when I am angry I can write, pray and preach well,
More informationP a g e 1. Kingdom of God
P a g e 1 Kingdom of God P a g e 2 KINGDOM OF GOD And he said to them, Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation. With these words Jesus turned his group of followers into a Church
More informationResolutions of ACC-14 relating to the Anglican Peace and Justice Network
Resolutions of ACC-14 relating to the Anglican Peace and Justice Network Resolution 14.21: The Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil (from the Anglican Peace and Justice Network [APJN]) Resolved, 08.05.09
More informationRector s Report - APCM 26 th April 2012
Rector s Report - APCM 26 th April 2012 There s something slightly odd about being asked to give a report on the life of the Minster when you ve only been here for 85 days but perhaps, it s also quite
More informationTo Whom Shall We Go? By Phil Arms
To Whom Shall We Go? By Phil Arms Walking through a bookstore last week I could not help but notice a special display featuring numerous best sellers from the self help section. I could not resist the
More informationP.O.Box 126, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: , Fax:
P.O.Box 126, Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +977 1 4228 118, 4268 900 Fax: +977 1 4225 559 marketing@umn.org.np www.umn.org.np Introduction Welcome to the discussion materials. We have written this not only with
More informationFaithful Citizenship: Reducing Child Poverty in Wisconsin
Faithful Citizenship: Reducing Child Poverty in Wisconsin Faithful Citizenship is a collaborative initiative launched in the spring of 2014 by the Wisconsin Council of Churches, WISDOM, Citizen Action,
More informationDoing Theology Differently: Seeking a Transformational Theology in Belfast and Beyond. Think peace 8
what is RECONCILIATION? Doing Theology Differently: Jon Hatch Seeking a Transformational Theology in Belfast and Beyond Think peace 8 1 Theology is very often seen as, at best,irrelevant to seeking solutions
More informationNow in 2030 we live in a country which we have remade. Vision Statement
Vision Statement We, the people of South Africa, have journeyed far since the long lines of our first democratic election on 27 April 1994, when we elected a government for us all. We began to tell a new
More informationSubmission. Ministerial Advisory Group on the Holidays Act. Review of the Holidays Act 2003
21 August 2009 Submission to the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Holidays Act on the Review of the Holidays Act 2003 In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time
More informationYou could join me in questioning my wisdom in that. What about a nice gentle start? Maybe we could start with something easy to talk about?
Confession Using this booklet These little booklets are given to you to work through with the others you are praying with. There is some text and explanation, to give you some context for your conversations.
More informationCHAPTER 8 CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 8 8.1 Introduction CONCLUSION By way of conclusion to this study, four areas have been identified in which Celtic and African Spiritualities have a particular contribution to make in the life of
More informationMicah Network Integral Mission Initiative
RE CATEGORY RE TITLE RE NUMBER and Development Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Plenary address: Micah Africa Regional Conference, September 20 23, 2004 The task of this paper is to
More informationThe Revolutionary Disciple: Authentic Love Matthew 5:38-48
October 26, 2014-St. Andrews Sunday Rev. Dr. Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church The Revolutionary Disciple: Authentic Love Matthew 5:38-48 If we disciples pay attention to what Jesus has said so
More informationGrade 8 Stand by Me CRITICAL OUTCOMES AND KEY CONCEPTS IN BOLD
Grade 8 Stand by Me Theme 1: What do they expect of me now? - Identify and evaluate expectations that affect their behaviour - Retell the Pentecost story - Identify and describe the ways that the expectations
More informationThe From Violence to Wholeness Workshop
The From Violence to Wholeness Workshop Program Overview One of the most important solutions to the growing crisis of violence lies in furnishing people from all walks of life with the tools, and ongoing
More informationLEARNING TO LIVE THE MESSAGE A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CURSILLO Source: National Cursillo Center Mailing April 2007
LEARNING TO LIVE THE MESSAGE A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CURSILLO Source: National Cursillo Center Mailing April 2007 This article, by Jennifer Segers, is used with written permission from CCCC Resource Center,
More informationMake a Passionate Proclamation of Our Love for Jesus January 13, 2018
Make a Passionate Proclamation of Our Love for Jesus January 13, 2018 Sweet Jesus, give us the courage, please, to be willing to stand out for You. And declare Your Love openly. Amen. Well, my dear friends,
More informationPage i of vi NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE: ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE: PAPER I INSERT TEXT 1
Page i of vi TEXT 1 IF LANGUAGE TELLS US WHO WE ARE, THEN WHO AM I? 1 My father says language tells us not just who we are but where we are. He is a wise man; it is wisdom that comes from the certainty
More informationValues in Action Justice Respect Compassion Hope
Values in Action Justice Respect Compassion Hope Our mission: Our values: Anglicare, in response to Christian faith, strives to achieve social justice and provide the opportunity for people in need to
More informationA People Called Out to Take Responsibility
A People Called Out to Take Responsibility Introducing Micah A merger between Micah Network and Micah Challenge A Way Forward Strategic Direction 2015 Our Cry: God of love and justice, God of compassion
More informationCounseling the Fearful Wife
Counseling the Fearful Wife Introduction: Jane and Joe 1. Address fear by explaining sinful abuse dynamics of the perpetrator a. Idolatry of control b. Selfishness, anger, violence. c. Spiritual blindness
More informationLoving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48
Loving Our Enemies Matthew 5: 38-48 We are picking back up with the Gospel of Matthew. In reading this text, one thing to keep in mind is that it is part of a larger section. This is only a part of Jesus
More informationCommunicating information and ideas
J351/01 Communicating information and ideas Guidance This guide is designed to take you through the J351/01 OCR GCSE English Language exam paper for Component 1: Communicating information and ideas. Its
More informationWelcome to Get Moving
INTRODUCTION Welcome to Get Moving Get Moving is a unique partnership between lyfe and Fitfish that will motivate you towards spiritual and physical health. Divided into six sections, this booklet offers
More informationFr. Sebastiano D Ambra, PIME
HOW THE BAGSAMORO AGREEMENT CAN BECOME AN OCCASION FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION TO SHARE ITS MISSION OF LOVE IN HARMONY, SOLIDARITY AND PEACE Fr. Sebastiano D Ambra, PIME 1) INTRODUCTION This is a special time
More informationAn Insatiable Appetite for God s Shalom
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 305 EAST MAIN STREET DURHAM, NC 27701 PHONE: (919) 682-5511 An Insatiable Appetite for God s Shalom A sermon by Mindy L. Douglas 20 th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) August
More informationCritiquing the Holistic Gospel. By Jim Harries. Posted in: Alliance for Vulnerable Mission Bulletin, 5/4, April 2013.
Critiquing the Holistic Gospel By Jim Harries Galatians 1:6-7+9: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different Gospel not
More informationPROGRAM. Formation is to promote the development of the. The dimensions are to be so interrelated
DIACONATE FORMATION PROGRAM DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT There are three separate but integral paths that constitute a unified Diaconate Formation Program: (1) Aspirancy (2) Candidacy (3) Ministry (post ordination)
More informationEVANGELICAL AFFIRMATIONS
EVANGELICAL AFFIRMATIONS 1. Jesus Christ and the Gospel We affirm the good news that the Son of God became man to offer himself for sinners and to give them everlasting life. We affirm that Jesus Christ
More informationHOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD
HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD ROMANS 12:9-21 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK AUGUST 31, 2014/12 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST We have arrived at the last Sunday of summer. The days are growing shorter
More informationMESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2015 Make your hearts firm (Jas 5:8)
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2015 Make your hearts firm (Jas 5:8) Dear Brothers and Sisters, Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each communities and every believer. Above
More informationOvercoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC
1 Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 7-9-16 We are in a sermon series on hearing God called The Voice. I had a sermon all prepared for today on that and then I heard the Voice! I felt the
More informationPRAYER FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DAY
PRAYER FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DAY LECTIONARY COMMENTARY Tuesday, November 2, 2010 (Can also be celebrated the Sunday before Election Day, including mid-term elections) F. Willis Johnson, Jr., Guest Lectionary
More informationCORE VALUES & BELIEFS
CORE VALUES & BELIEFS STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OUR JOURNEY TOGETHER Who We Are The Vineyard is a God-initiated, global movement of churches (of which VUSA is a part) with the kingdom of God as its theological
More informationA STATEMENT ON BIBLICAL JUSTICE
A STATEMENT ON BIBLICAL JUSTICE Adopted July 8th, 1982, by the Eighth General Convention of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. (82-73 The ELCC in convention adopted the amended Statement on Justice
More informationUnofcial translated transcript. Distributed by UNDP Rangoon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi s public address NLD Headquarters, 14 November 2010
Unofcial translated transcript. Distributed by UNDP Rangoon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi s public address NLD Headquarters, 14 November 2010 I have to begin by thanking you for your support. We haven t seen each
More informationCity of Edinburgh Methodist Church 9 Nov 2014 John Sawkins Remembrance Sunday Sermon Reconciliation
1 City of Edinburgh Methodist Church 9 Nov 2014 John Sawkins Remembrance Sunday Sermon Reconciliation From the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 5 and verse 19 God was in Christ reconciling
More informationTHE JAVIER DECLARATION
THE JAVIER DECLARATION Preamble We, the participants of the First Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith Dialogue held in Navarra, Spain, from the 19 th to the 22 nd November 2006, having discussed experiences,
More informationMy message is to admonish believers to beware of the wisdom of the world. There is indeed a wisdom of the world.
BEWARE OF THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD the world through its wisdom did not come to know God. 1 Cor 1:21 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. 1 Cor 3:19 My message is to admonish believers
More informationMoving Mountains: Mount of Beatitudes Matthew 7:24-29
June 5, 2011 Pastor Mark Toone Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Moving Mountains: Mount of Beatitudes Matthew 7:24-29 This morning in our continued journey through the mountains of scripture, we turn to
More informationMANDELA COACHING JOURNAL 2014
MANDELA COACHING JOURNAL 2014 Compiled by DR MESHACK KHOSA www.successteam.co.za www.freshthinkingcoaching.com meshack@freshthinking.co.za 0832127840 This Journal is FREE of CHARGE and you are WELCOME
More informationOUR SACC: VITAL YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW
South African Council of Churches OUR SACC: VITAL YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW Who We Are The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is an ecumenical association of affiliated Christian Churches, with
More informationIntroduction. God s Big Agenda -- Reconciliation
Session Three: Practical and Social Theology I BREAKING BOUNDARIES: EMBRACING THE OTHER WHILE HOLDING FAST TO OUR IN CHRIST IDENTITY Prakash Nemade South Asia Nazarene Bible College Introduction 1 In recent
More informationThose who are listening. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager. A Lesson for the Pharisees. A Lesson for the Disciples. How do we respond? First.
Talk Outline My Mother rang Those who are listening The Parable of the Shrewd Manager A Lesson for the Pharisees A Lesson for the Disciples How do we respond? First Second Third Finally Talk - Luke 16.1-18
More informationWeeds and Wheat. Genesis 28:10-19a Matthew 13:24-30, Rev Christopher Turner
1 Weeds and Wheat Genesis 28:10-19a Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Rev Christopher Turner When I began my farming apprenticeship as a Flower Grower in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne, my first job was,
More informationI am no historian, but if I were to hazard a guess, I would say that 2011 will be remembered as the year of the protest.
SERMON TITLE: Changing the Landscape TEXT: Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8 PREACHED AT: Lethbridge Mennonite Church BY: Ryan Dueck DATE: December 4, 2011/2 nd Sunday of Advent 2011 is drawing to a close, and
More informationParliamentarians are responsible build a world of universal and lasting peace
Parliamentarians are responsible build a world of universal and lasting peace Hak Ja Han November 30, 2016 Presented by Sun Jin Moon International Leadership Conference 2016 USA Launch of the International
More informationOCR GCSE Religious Studies B Philosophy and Applied Ethics Revision Book J121 (Short Course) J621 (Full Course) Ethics 2 Module B604
Name:. OCR GCSE Religious Studies B Philosophy and Applied Ethics Revision Book J121 (Short Course) J621 (Full Course) Ethics 2 Module B604 Religion, Peace and Justice In this topic you studied: Christian
More informationThe Imperative of Paying Attention: in Solidarity with the Oromo Protest. Good afternoon again, and thank you for making time and for being here.
The Imperative of Paying Attention: in Solidarity with the Oromo Protest (Remarks prepared for delivery at the Awareness Afternoon, Melbourne) 1. Introduction Tsegaye R Ararssa 31 January 2016 Melbourne
More informationThis is an exciting new post at Bible Society. The post holder will: Offer administrative support to the team
JOB DESCRIPTION Title Reporting to Staff responsibility Location International Advocacy Support Officer (IBAC) International Programme Manager None Swindon Summary of role: This is an exciting new post
More informationThe Accra Confession COVENANTING FOR JUSTICE IN THE ECONOMY AND THE EARTH
The Accra Confession COVENANTING FOR JUSTICE IN THE ECONOMY AND THE EARTH Introduction - Greta Montoya Ortega The Accra Confession was adopted by the delegates of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
More informationThe role of the privileged in struggle
The role of the privileged in struggle As a young person I have been told that this venue is a nightclub. I know the Mandela Foundation is trying to be relevant to young people and this is a good start.
More informationRELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY
St Alban s Catholic Primary School RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY Title: Religious Education Policy Policy Agreed: April 2016 Next Review: April 2018 RE Policy FINAL Version Date: 15/4/2016 Page 1 of 12 Table
More informationWilliams, Rowan. Silence and Honey Cakes: The Wisdom of the desert. Oxford: Lion Publishing, 2003.
Williams, Rowan. Silence and Honey Cakes: The Wisdom of the desert. Oxford: Lion Publishing, 2003. THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY Read: I Corinthians 12:12-27 One thing that comes out very clearly from any reading
More informationSunday, 3 June Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done on Earth Lieut-Colonel (Dr) Dean Pallant
2º. Brazilian Symposium on Social Justice Human Rights: Spirituality, Refugees, Trafficking in Persons and Violence against Women May 29 to June 3, 2018 - São Paulo. Sunday, 3 June 2018 Thy Kingdom Come,
More informationALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES (AACC) THE POST-JUBILEE ASSEMBLY PROGRAMMATIC THRUSTS (REVISED)
ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES (AACC) THE POST-JUBILEE ASSEMBLY PROGRAMMATIC THRUSTS 2014 2018 (REVISED) THE POST-JUBILEE PROGRAMMATIC THRUSTS 2014 2018 (REVISED) Table of CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... 4
More informationWhat is the New Cadre of the Movement?
THE NEW CADRE The matter of the cadres of the movement has always been an important part of what constitutes the ANC, of what defines the ANC. Thabo Mbeki ANC President What is the New Cadre of the Movement?
More informationWritten by Richard S. Thompson Sunday, 23 August :00 - Last Updated Wednesday, 26 August :24
The Psalms of Christ - The Messiah Lesson 18 We are now studying the last group of Messianic Psalms. When we began this study, we started with Psalms that were written in the first person (I, me) and spoke
More information